Ecosystem Services in Fairtrade Value Chains

This Twin report examines the impact of Fairtrade and farmer organisations on smallholder climate change adaptation. Marginalised smallholders are especially vulnerable to the impact of climate change due to poverty and a greater reliance on natural resources. Agricultural production is also at risk, threatening food security in developing countries.

The report, which looks in detail at two Fairtrade producer organisations in Uganda and Malawi, finds that joining a producer organisation and Fairtrade certification can strengthen the capacity of smallholders to adapt to climate change on several fronts. Key enabling factors include higher income, access to newer technologies, better farmer training, and an environment which facilitates farmer innovation.

Small-scale farmers and climate change; how can farmer organisations and Fairtrade build the adaptive capacity of smallholders is published by the iied and funded by The Co-operative.

Twin Report published by the iied and funded by The Co-operative, December 2012